           The Ornate Box Turtle officially became the State Reptile of Kansas when Governor John Carlin signed HB 3113 a little after high noon on Monday, 14 April 1986. The signing was the result of the massive campaign organized by the 6th grade students of Caldwell Elementary School located in the little town of Caldwell, Kansas.
           The following October the Mayor of Caldwell signed a proclamation declaring Caldwell, Kansas the “Official Ornate Box Turtle Capital of the World†in honor of the dedicated work of the towns young people. Caldwell would never be the same again!
           Genetic research has provided evidence that indicates turtles are not actually reptiles. It appears that they should be in a class all their own, and that class is now referred to as turtles. Thus, some people have suggested that the Ornate Box Turtle might want to be designated as the state turtle instead of the state reptile. Regardless of its designation the colorful Ornate Box Turtle may be the most noted and loved of all Kansas natural icons.
           Take a few minutes to go to the website below and read some of the comments that have been posted in regard to the Ornate Box Turtle. Please feel free to post your turtle stories too. The website URL is:
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http://tcslacerta.tripod.com/tcsphotos/id62.html
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & LONG LIVE THE TURTLES!
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Larry L. Miller
Wakarusa, Kansas
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Comments: 23
Gail, the big painted turtle is on display on the science building at Topeka Collegiate where I taught for ten years after leaving the "Ornate Box Turtle Capital of the World." I got a call after Cleta passed away asking me if I wanted it since at that time I guess no one in Caldwell was interested. I drove down and picked it up and donated it to Topeka Collegiate. I can give the class the name and an email address for one of the science teachers there if interested. They might be able to get it for their program in October.
thanks for sharing!
I didn't know KS loved turtles ;)
Anna, I agree! Many people do try to avoid hitting them, but that is not always possible. I just watched a person this morning stop and move one from a busy street near my home south of Topeka. Hopefully that turtle did not turn around and head back across the street!
Seems you are on fire and very active with your students, I believe students learn better with a hands on approach.
Blessings
Thanks for a great article.
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